IMS1003 - Maltese Onomastics - L-Universit脿 ta' Malta

IMS1003 - Maltese Onomastics

MQF Level

Duration and Credits

Semester 2

2 ECTS

Mode of Study

Part-Time Evening

This study-unit explores the multifaceted dimensions of surnames and toponyms, beginning with the foundational terminology, classifications, and research methods used in surname studies, particularly in the Maltese context. It examines the historical layering, frequency, and variation of Maltese family names, while also analysing their grammatical and phonetic features such as suffixes, prepositions, and abbreviated forms. Special attention is given to surnames of Siculo-Arabic origin, those derived from parental lineage (patronymic and matronymic), and names based on geography, occupation, social status, or personal traits. The coursework then shifts to toponymy, introducing essential concepts and the value of place-name studies, including popular interpretations. It addresses the grammatical structure of toponyms, the inclusion of geographical elements, local flora and fauna, and anthroponyms (personal names) within place-names. Additional topics include: the origins of the names of Maltese cities, towns, and districts, unique cases, such as lost medieval settlements, the influence of the Knights and British rule, and other linguistic features like early attestations, layering, and the use of the term ""Hal"".

Main Reading List

Cassar, Mario. The Surnames of the Maltese Islands. BDL, Malta, 2003.
Cassar, Mario. 鈥楳altese Surnames: The Sicilian and Italian Connections鈥�. Unpublished Ph.D. Thesis (University of Malta), 2011.
Wettinger, Godfrey. The Place-Names of the Maltese Islands. PEG, Malta, 2000.

Supplementary Reading List

Caffarelli, Enzo & Carla Marcato. I cognomi d'Italia: dizionario storico ed etimologico (2 vol.). UTET, Italy, 2008.
Caracausi, Girolamo. Dizionario onomastico della Sicilia (2 vol.), Epos, Sicily, 1994.
Hough, George (ed.). The Oxford Handbook of Names and Naming. OUP, 2016.
Salafia, Simon. The Place-names of Gozo (2 vol.). Malta, 2022.
Zammit Ciantar, Joe. The Place-names of the Coast of Gozo. Malta, 2003.

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Study-unit Aims

This study-unit is made up of two parts. The first focuses on the multifaceted study of surnames, beginning with an exploration of fundamental terminology, typologies, and effective methodologies for researching surnames. It involves a detailed study of Maltese surnames, examining their historical stratigraphy, current frequencies, and common variations. Furthermore, the study-unit will address the grammatical and phonetic characteristics of surnames, including the role of suffixes, prepositions, and truncated forms in their evolution. Attention will be drawn to Siculo-Arabic surnames, recognizing their significant historical contribution to the Maltese onomastic landscape, before concluding with an analysis of patronymic and matronymic surnames and their formation. The second part focuses on toponymy, beginning with an introduction to its fundamental concepts and the significance of studying place-names, including how they're popularly interpreted. It covers the grammatical structure of toponyms and how they incorporate geographical features, local flora and fauna, and even personal names (anthroponyms). The origins of names for Maltese cities, towns, and districts will also be explored, together with other linguistic aspects, such as early historical attestations, and linguistic layering.

Learning Outcomes: Knowledge and Understanding

By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:

Distinguish between the semantic value and the grammatical typology of surnames and toponyms;
Apply the basic principles of onomastics to nomenclature derived from Arabic, Sicilian, Italian, and English inherent in Maltese onomastics;
Demarcate differences between Maltese, Sicilian, and Arabic naming conventions, recognizing their distinct linguistic and cultural influences on the local onomastic landscape;
Critically evaluate various sources of onomastic data, including historical documents, oral traditions, and contemporary usage, to discern their reliability and significance.

Learning Outcomes: Skills

By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:

The students will be able to:

Analyse and interpret local surnames and toponyms;
Put such analysis in a historical and cultural context;
Be in a position to conduct research of their own on the subjects under discussion.

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EUR130

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